Here’s what tenants in Arizona should know about rent increase laws in 2025:
Key Points
- No Rent Control: Arizona does not have rent control laws, meaning there’s no limit to how much a landlord can increase rent.
- Notice Requirements: Landlords must provide written notice before raising rent.
- For month-to-month leases, a 30-day written notice is required.
- For week-to-week leases, a 10-day notice is necessary.
- For fixed-term leases (e.g., a yearly lease), rent can only be increased at the end of the lease term, unless the lease agreement specifies otherwise.
- No Limit on Increase Amount: Landlords can raise the rent by any amount they deem appropriate, as long as they provide sufficient notice.
- Good Faith Requirement: Landlords are expected to act in good faith when increasing rent.
When Rent Increases Can Be Illegal
- Insufficient Notice: A rent increase is illegal if the landlord doesn’t provide the required notice.
- Discrimination: Rent increases cannot be discriminatory. Fair housing laws protect tenants from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, or handicap.
- Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising a legal right, such as complaining about unsafe living conditions.
- Unconscionable Increases: While there’s no rent control, an exorbitantly high rent increase may be subject to legal disputes.
Tenant Rights and Actions
- Right to Proper Notice: Tenants have the right to receive proper written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
- Legal Recourse: If a tenant believes a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, they can seek legal help.
- Review Lease Agreement: It is important for both tenants and landlords to review their rental agreements, as these documents may include specific terms regarding rent increases.
- Negotiation: Tenants may negotiate with landlords regarding a rent increase.
- Dispute Resolution: The Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides a framework for dispute resolution.
Additional Considerations
- Rental Tax Ban: Starting January 1, 2025, Arizona cities will no longer be able to charge a rental tax.
- Impact of the Ban: Renters may see some financial relief from the elimination of the rental tax, though the amount will vary by city.
- TPT (Transaction Privilege Tax): There are no state or county taxes imposed on residential rentals.
- Exemptions Arizona banned rent control in 1985.
Sources:
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-arizona
- https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/rent-tax-ban-arizona-cities-could-lose-millions-when-new-law-comes-effect
- https://www.turbotenant.com/state/arizona/rent-control/
- https://www.doorloop.com/laws/arizona-rent-increase-notice
